Just days ago, Cruzely alerted readers to the fact that one of the absolute best deals in cruising was being drastically cut. Now, that deal is gone completely and it will mean many passengers have to pay considerably more for their next Carnival cruise.
Gift cards for Carnival bought through AARP used to sell for 10% off before being reduced to 5%. Now, the discounted cards are now gone completely.
We’ve regularly sung the praises of being an AARP member and using that to sail for less money. AARP — known for advocating for older Americans — actually opens membership to anyone, no matter their age. And as a benefit for being a member, the group offers “AARP Rewards.”
These offers include a number of discounted gift cards. For example, you can buy a Panera Bread gift card for 10% off right now. They offer AirBNB cards for 5% off. Southwest Airlines cards are also 5% off. There are even cards available to Total Wine for 20% off and seemingly dozens more offers from which to choose.
But one of the biggest deals are discounted gift cards for cruises. Cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, and Holland America have all offered gift cards in the past selling for up to 10% off the face value.
So a $100 gift card could be bought for $90. And a $500 gift card went for $450. With the ability to buy multiple cards, that meant you could save literally hundreds of dollars on your cruise.
It’s a great deal and one that many people have taken advantage of, including us. We’ve personally saved hundreds using this offer.
But over time, we’ve noticed that the sweet deal has continued to fade. First, Princess, which used to offer gift cards at 10% off, was no longer was listed. Then Carnival went from a 10% discount to an 8% discount. Just over a week ago, we told you that was then reduced further to just 5%.
Now, Carnival — one of the most traveled cruise lines on the planet — no longer has gift cards listed at all. What was a 10% discount is now completely gone.
For passengers that used this offer, it will be a significant blow. For example, a cruise costing $2,000 could be bought with gift cards costing only $1,800 with the prior 10% discount. Now that same trip will cost $200 more out of pocket.
A statement on the AARP website says the following:
“Carnival Cruise Lines has decided to discontinue offering their gift cards through the AARP Rewards Program. We understand that this may be disappointing news, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We remain committed to providing you with valuable rewards and appreciate your understanding.”
If there is any good news, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity still offer cards for 10% off the face value. Holland America still offers discounted cards for 8% off the face value.
We will continue to monitor if and when the popular Carnival cards return.
Carnival continuing to do what they do best, cut, cut and CUT!